The Roane County Historical Society met on Thursday, November 15, 2012 for their regular monthly meeting with seven members and one visitor present. Rick Greathouse, President, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., he welcomed those present, Mike Hill led an opening prayer and the pledge to the American flag was recited by all.

Susan Tucker, Recording Sect'y, read the minutes from the October meeting, which were approved as read.

Carol Board-Westfall gave the treasurer’s report with current balance at $19,206.56 Copy filed for annual audit.

Linda Liss, Corresponding Sect'y, reported that she had sent two sympathy cards since last meeting and replied to different inquires as needed. As Membership Sect'y, Linda also reported that current membership is 213 but 17 of those members have not renewed membership for the 2012-13 fiscal year. All have been contacted. Names will be removed from roll if not paid by time of the publishing of the Membership/Surname Directory in December.

Old business:

Susan reported that we still have a few of the DVD's available of the 5 Volumes of the Roane County Cemetery Books that were made available at the Sept. Genealogy Fair. Price of the DVD is $25.

Susan also reported that a “Tailgater” microphone speaker system was purchased and now available for use at meetings and other society functions. Cost: $90.10

Carol Board-Westfall: Nothing new to report on the possibility of the Society cleaning or working with the City of Spencer in cleaning the city Museum housed at the Heritage Park’s historic B & O Depot building.

Carol also reported that the County Commission has approved the $1,000 Governor’s Community Participation Grant for 2013. As discussed and approved at an earlier meeting, the grant will be used toward digitizing the microfilm library owned and housed with the Roane County Historical Society. The microfilms will be sent to the Florida-based company for converting to digitized media.

Information and forms have been received for nomination of a 2013 “History Hero” as part of the annual History Day at the Legislature. This is held in conjunction with the WV Archives & History Commission. After discussion the society decided to forego the nomination this year.

New Business:

Mike Hill suggested an idea of perhaps the society working on a book about early pioneer settler families of Spring Creek, Roane County. His suggestion was to use maps and/or surveys showing settlement of the different families and histories about those families. The Adam Hodam journal and other documents would be good source materials. Item tabled for further discussion.


Program:

Special thanks to Carol Board-Westfall who led discussion about the use of D.N.A. in family genealogy research. She was excited to report that her D.N.A. results through Ancestry.com’s program revealed that her ancestors were 96% Central European. An oral saliva swab is taken and studied, revealing shared D.N.A. characteristics to one’s ancestors and others sharing the same characteristics. Ancestry then makes available surnames of those matching that D.N.A.

The next meeting of the R.C.H.S. is scheduled for THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library. Each person is asked to bring a sampling of Christmas goodies to share as refreshments. THIS WILL BE THE LAST MEETING FOR 2012. Questions and/or comments may be directed to Linda Liss, Corresponding Secretary, at WVRoots@aol.com